Frank Pallone: “in the aftermath of President Clinton's decision to withdraw fast-track legislation, the time has come to forge a new…”

“in the aftermath of President Clinton's decision to withdraw fast-track legislation, the time has come to forge a new policy that provides direct access for labor, environmental health, and safety concerns to be addressed in negotiating future trade agreements. Those of us who opposed fast track did not do so because we oppose expanded trade but because the pending legislation gives Congress only one vote on trade legislation that may have profound impact on American workers and the quality of our lives. If the President were to embrace trade procedures that require consideration of labor and environmental standards followed by adequate enforcement and then subject the negotiated agreement to congressional approval, I believe the President's trade agreements would pass in Congress with a large consensus. I am sending a letter today to the President and will ask support from my colleagues who opposed fast track to discuss and explore alternatives which properly balance expanded trade and the preservation of American values.”